56. COMPACT ON BOARD THE MAYFLOWER.

The wondrous "Mayflow'r," floating on the sea,

Wafting the noble Pilgrims to the west,

As yet had found no circling shore for rest,

Though land was near; 'tis now her Company

To guard against disorders, which might be,

And firm foundation lay for empire blest,

Their "Solemn Compact" made, that none might wrest,

Each pledg'd the Rule to follow cheerfully.

Freedom and Law are bound in union sweet;

For all have equal pow'r till common vote

Authority confer, to which all bow,

Its exercise restrain'd, as is most meet,

To Public Good. No acts of their's denote

A thought their Chief could private int'rest know.

A Book of Christian Sonnets · 第 63 / 113 题